The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested the formation of the “Olympic Esports Games,” and this idea will be put forward during the 142nd IOC Session.
In a significant move that could change esports worldwide, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested forming the “Olympic Esports Games” (OEG).
This idea will be put forward during the 142nd IOC Session at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and could be a big moment for esports. With this proposal, the IOC aims to stay current with the digital era and acknowledge the rising importance of esports. Let's discuss this proposal in detail.
Olympic Esports Games Details
The IOC is having serious talks about hosting the Olympic Esports Games (OEG), and fans of esports can expect an announcement "very soon."
IOC President Thomas Bach announced that the Executive Board has suggested creating ‘Olympic Esports Games’ for the 142nd IOC Session. The 142nd IOC Session will take place from July 22 to July 24, 2024, and on August 10 in Paris, France, and the IOC members will vote on this proposal during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Thomas Bach said the Olympic Esports Games mark a significant move as the IOC adapts to the digital era and he is excited about the esports community's positive response, especially from the Esports Commission involved in this effort.
Also, in their proposal, the IOC highlighted the necessity of creating a brand-new organization specifically for the Olympic Esports Games.
What are IOC and Olympic Esports Week?
The IOC also known as the International Olympic Committee first got involved with esports by organizing the Esports Forum in 2018 in Lausanne. After that, they formed the Esports Liaison Group to connect with esports groups. This group later became the IOC Esports Commission and was led by IOC member, David Lappartient.
In 2021, the IOC launched the Olympic Virtual Series, its first step into esports.
The Olympic Esports Week was launched by the IOC in June 2023 in Singapore as a result of the popularity of the Olympic Virtual Series. The event brought together the Olympic and esports communities.
The highlight was the exciting live finals, held in collaboration with sports federations and game makers. More than 130 players from around the world competed in 10 events that included both men and women, and fans packed the venue in Singapore.
The Olympic Esports Series attracted over 500,000 participants, the event was streamed online, and it garnered more than six million views across all platforms. Most viewers, about 75 percent, were aged between 13 and 34.
Overall, the idea of having an Olympic Esports Games is a big step in recognizing esports worldwide. As more of the world moves into the digital age, adding esports to the Olympic Games could really change the industry.
However, we will have to wait and see how people react to this idea at the 142nd IOC Session during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and what changes it will bring to the esports scenario.